South Trekking Tour

South Trekking Tour

Day 1: ANTANANARIVO – ANTSIRABE

Start the tour from Antananarivo to Antsirabe with your personal driver.

The drive takes about four hours on a good but winding road. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of rice fields, traditional Merina tombs, and villages.

Stop at Ambatolampy to visit a local forge where aluminium cooking pots are made.

Day 2: ANTSIRABE – AMBOSITRA – RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel to visit the highlights around Antsirabe, including a precious-stone workshop where you can see how stones are polished.

We then visit the natural spring source at the thermal baths and continue to Lake Andraikiba. You may take an optional horse ride around the lake (fee not included).

We then drive toward Ranomafana National Park. About 89 km south of Antsirabe, you will pass through Ambositra, the centre of Malagasy hand-carved wooden crafts. There are many shops where you can browse for souvenirs and find excellent marquetry at reasonable prices.

Continue to the rainforest of Ranomafana. The drive from Antsirabe takes about five hours in total.

On arrival, you may relax or take a short walk around the village and the park surroundings. A night walk (nocturnal visit) can be organised with your guide.

Day 3: TREKKING IN RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the park office, where you will meet your official park guide.
Depending on your choice, the average circuit lasts at least two hours, with longer walks available.

Ranomafana (meaning “hot water” in Malagasy) is undoubtedly one of Madagascar’s most spectacular national parks. It is home to twelve lemur species. Besides the golden bamboo lemur, visitors may see eastern woolly lemur, red-bellied lemur, eastern grey bamboo lemur, greater bamboo lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, and brown mouse lemur.

Other mammals include seven species of tenrecs, eight bats, and six carnivores. Many of Madagascar’s birds can also be found here, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers.

Day 4: RANOMAFANA – FIANARANTSOA – AMBALAVAO – ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Leave Ranomafana and drive toward Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park.

On the way, stop at the Soavita vineyard to learn how wine is produced from grape to bottle, and taste the final product (entrance fee at your expense). Bottled wine is available at factory prices.

Continue to Ambalavao to visit the Antaimoro paper workshop. This traditional paper is made from the bark of the avoha tree. Local women will demonstrate the process, decorating the sheets with dried flowers. There is also a shop selling finished products.

Afterwards, continue through spectacular rugged mountain scenery to arrive at Isalo National Park, where you can relax for the rest of the day.

Day 5: TREK THROUGH ISALO NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, your driver will introduce you to a local guide who will explain the available hiking circuits. You can choose the one best suited to you. Guide fees depend on the selected route.

Wildlife is less abundant here than in rainforest parks, but you may see sifakas and brown lemurs. The park is also home to around 80 bird species (including Benson’s rock thrush, knob-billed duck, and crested ibis), about 35 reptiles, and several endemic frogs.

Isalo’s flora is particularly interesting, with more than 500 plant species including endemic succulents, aloes, palms, pachypodiums, and the distinctive “elephant’s foot” plant.

A natural rock pool beneath a waterfall forms a refreshing oasis among pandanus trees.
The Isalo Museum can be visited in the afternoon after your hike or the following day on the way to Toliara.

Day 6: ISALO – TULEAR

On the drive to Toliara, you will see traditional tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy tribes. Each grave is decorated with carvings and sometimes animal horns to tell the story of the deceased. Ask your driver about local fady (taboos).

Along the road, you will pass poor villages and scattered baobab trees. About 14 km before Toliara, stop at the Antsokay Arboretum, a botanical garden dedicated to the flora of southwestern Madagascar. Nearly 900 plant species grow here, 90% of them endemic.

This journey can be extended to Ifaty for a relaxing beach stay. From there, you may return to Toliara for flights to Antananarivo or travel to Morondava to see the famous Avenue of the Baobabs.

THINGS INCLUDED:

• Airport transfer
• Vehicle with driver and fuel during the tour
• Food and accommodation for the driver only
• Bed and breakfast for clients for 6 days
• All park entrance fees
• Taxes

THINGS NOT INCLUDED

• Meals and drinks for clients (lunch and dinner)
• Local guide fees in the parks
• Tips
• Any services not mentioned above